OPENING DAY: UConn's first official fall practice in preparation for the season opener on Aug. 29 against Towson at Rentschler Field took place Friday afternoon under sunny skies.

There were some good plays, some bad plays and a lot of work that had to be done. But for the most part, the Huskies got through it.

"We had so much to do today and we did a lot," coach Paul Pasqualoni said. "We exposed them to a lot, put a lot on their plate. Plus, we had some conditioning work this morning ...and first day of camp, administrative stuff that you have to get done.

"I think considering everything, these kids have been going since early this morning. Obviously, we've got some things to clean up but the approach, I'm happy with the guys and their effort. We've got a lot to clean up, so we'll be working until late tonight looking at the film, but that's what preseason camp is for."

"Practice went about how you'd expect it for the first day," Whitmer said. "Some good plays, some bad plays, a little rust but just getting back into the rhythm of things, getting some consistency, that's what we're focused on as an offense."

MCCUMMINGS MOVING: Scott McCummings spent his first practice working out at wide receiver. First, in an effort to perhaps find a new position and second, in an effort to lose weight.

The UConn website listed McCummings at 257 pounds, a far cry from the 240 listed in the roster during the spring game in April and an eye-opening 33 pounds more than the 224 he weighed before the start of the 2012 season.

"He's got to drop some weight," Pasqualoni said. "He's really put on a little weight, so we've got to get a few pounds off of Scottie, so it made sense to get him out there and it'll give him a chance to do a little more running."

If McCummings can get the weight off, he could become a solid asset at receiver. If not, then maybe tight end could be more in his future -- if he can get stronger in the weight room.

"We just felt that Scottie is a very good athlete and we want to do something to utilize him more," Pasqualoni said. "I want to see him out there (at receiver) for a good solid period of time just to see if there's any chance he can help us out there."

Said McCummings: "I just want to play. He (coach) told me yesterday (about the change). We discussed a couple of positions as possibilities for me and we decided on receiver. It's a win-win."

QUICK PITCHES: Sophomore linebacker Graham Stewart, who transferred from Florida, did not practice Friday. He was the best man in his sister's wedding ... Pasqualoni was pleased with the return of senior tailback Martin Hyppolite, who suffered a hip injury in a spring automobile accident. "I was worried about Martin today, but he didn't have any problems," Pasqualoni said. "I even asked him toward the end (of practice) and he said `I'm fine.' It looked like he cut well and it (the hip) wasn't bothering him. That's a big plus for us." ... Although eight quarterbacks are listed on the roster, Pasqualoni said that most of the fall reps will be split among the five whoworked out Friday. "We've really divided the reps by five. It took us as long time to organize it. But I thought it went well. (Michael) Ecke (from Cheshire) is here to help us wherever he can help us. And when you consider those three young guy (freshmen Boyle, Taylor and Lagow), we just threw it at them. For those guys, to be able to get into the huddle and take the snap and have any idea what to do is a positive thing. I thought they did pretty good today." ... The Huskies will practice four more days without pads before putting the gear on for the first time next week.